Gloria: King of Kings!! 

2025-12-14

Charles Billingsley

 

The theme of the New Testament is Jesus Christ.
The reason we have Christmas is Jesus Christ .
The first 4 books of the New Testament – all tell the story of Jesus Christ.
All 4 gospels cover the life of Jesus, but each does so with an emphasis on different aspects of His glory.
John  – Son of God who has come to redeem us. He skips over any geneology and tells us – John 1 – In the beginning was the word. He is the word made flesh and dwelt among us Son of God. Fully God
Luke gives us the geneology and lineage of Jesus all the way back to that first man – Adam –  because he wants us to see the human part of Jesus – son of man.  Fully man.
Mark – Suffering Servant  – no geneology at all in this book , because the lineage of a servant has no relevance.
Matthew  – Presents Jesus as the Sovereign King. Matthew focuses on His majesty and His sovereignty as the anointed and promised King from the line of David giving him the right to reign and rule. So Matthew begins his gospel by tracing the lineage of Jesus from Abraham down through the royal line of David.
Matthew 2
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Nativity Sets
Christmas Cards
All depict the scene of the “wise men” being on site at the manger.
There is always 3.
Probably based off of the amount of gifts mentioned in scripture.
Riding on camels.  Dressed in regal robes.
They were even given a name in the middle centuries –
Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar.
I even played the role of Caspar in the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors.
The “relics of the Magi” were originally brought to Constantinople by Empress Helena, Constantine the Great‘s mother, then brought to Milan in an oxcart by Eustorgius I, the city’s bishop, to whom they were entrusted by Constantine in 314.[7] Eight centuries later in 1164, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa took the relics of the Magi from the church of Saint Eustorgio in Milan and gave them to the Archbishop of Cologne, Rainald of Dassel,[8] who was also the imperial Archchancellor of Italy. In 1164, Rainald transferred these relics to Cologne where the shrine for the three kings was built. Their bones were wrapped in white silk and returned to the shrine. The relics have since attracted a constant stream of pilgrims to Cologne.
Is any of this legit? I seriously doubt it.
All of this makes for beautiful pageantry, but most of it is historically inaccurate and simply didn’t happen the way we picture it.
In fact, the true story behind the magi is actually way more fascinating and way more powerful than we even realize.
There is a reason Matthew mentions this so prominently in His gospel.    But he doesn’t give us much detail about them at all!
But history helps us piece it all together.
Herodotus ,  the book of Daniel
The Magi – Who were they?  And from where did they come ?  
 
Four great empires in history:
The Babylonian – Daniel, Nebudchanezzar – 605 BC
The Medo-Persian – 70 years later – daniel is still in charge 
The Greek – 
The Roman – 
 
vs. 2 – Magoi (greek) – Magi – There is no translation for this word -because It is the name of a tribe of ancient people whose roll was a priestly role.
They were monotheistic.
Primary element of their worship – fire
They would have an altar of perpetual fire and would sacrifice animals.  Very similar to the levites.  They even avoided touching the dead and avoided certain animals.
They were very skilled in astrology (science)  and astronomy (superstition)  – and the blending of the two.
Like levites in Israel.    A hereditary priesthood.
They came from a people known as the Medes.  Who later merged with the Persians. But their History goes way back to even before the Babylonian empire.
But they rose to a position of advisors to the royalty.
They held tremendous political clout and power.
They were the Kingmakers of multiple empires for centuries!
No Persian could become king unless he was approved and crowned by the magi.
They were literally the King makers of history for hundreds of years
During the Babylonian Empire – these magi were living in the area of Babylon.
Very significant because of Jewish History.
Daniel – eventually became head of the magi in Babylon -and was able to influence them greatly –
And then when the Medo-persian empire began, Daniel was placed as the top governor over all the land – giving him further influence into the minds and hearts of these Magi.  Daniel 5-6
  • Chief of the Magi: The Book of Daniel states that Nebuchadnezzar appointed Daniel to a high position as the “chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners,” which included the Magi.
  • Spreading prophecies: Because of his position, Daniel’s writings and prophecies were known throughout the region. This included prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, such as those in Daniel 9.
  • Passing on knowledge: It is believed that Daniel entrusted his prophecies to a group of Magi, who passed this knowledge down through generations.
6th century bc – king Darius – decreed the one religion would be Zoroastrianism – study of the stars.
Numbers 24:17 – A Star shall come out of Jacob;
                            A Scepter shall rise out of Israel,
No doubt, the influence of Daniel plays a major role in the mindset and the heart of these Magi down through the centuries.
They are the king makers of the medes and the persians.
Fast forward roughly 586 years!
There is a rise Parthian (Persians) rise in rebellion against the Romans.  And they are not happy with their current King – King Phraates IV 
And now, 586 years later after it is prophecied, this star appears.
Why do they show up in Jerusalem?  
They were following The Star 
 
The Star:  not a star, but His star
What was it?   Was it a supernova?   Was it a star as we know them in the sky? Was it a cluster of Stars?   Was it a comet?
The Hebrew name for “star” (Kochav)  actually means  – something that blazes or shines.
Greek word “aster”.  The text describes the star as moving and leading the Magi, indicating a unique, guiding phenomenon, not just a static point of light.
I don’t believe it was these things.   I believe it was the shekinah glory of God.
Every time in Scripture the Glory of God is mentioned it appears in the form of Light!
God’s presence in the OT was a cloud of light.  At night it was a fire!
Shepherds – “the glory of God SHONE round about them” 
So I believe this “star” was the glory of God that appeared before the magi and led them to Jerusalem.  God revealing Himself in light.
When they got to Jerusalem, the “star” disappeared for a bit.
Then it reappeared after they met with King Herod.
But when they appeared in Jerusalem, they probably weren’t on camels, they would have been on majestic Persian steeds, wearing all the regalia of their time, and they would not have arrived just three of them.  In fact, there was probably an entire group of them, but history teaches us they would have been accompanied by an entire Persian Cavalry.
So it’s no wonder that Herod would have gotten a little nervous.
“Herod was troubled.” 
And to make matters worse, HIs army was away on a mission. He is defenseless. There’s an army of Persians at his front gate. He’s paranoid to begin with, and now they are asking him where they can find the newborn “king of the Jews.” 
But that was the title Caesar Augustus had given Herod!!
Isn’t it amazing how God, 6 centuries before, was moving the hearts of man and manipulating events all for the purpose of His perfect plan.
Two Kings:  
 
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
King Herod – Who Was He?  
 
He was an absolute Tyrant. Not even in the actual Kingly line.
Son of Antipater – who was appointed by Julius Caesar
Had his brother in law killed.
Then had his wife killed
Then 2 of his sons killed.
Then shortly before his death – his 3rd son killed.
Why was he so troubled?  Because he is threatened! He’s weak. And he is paranoid.
King Jesus
 
 
It is very interesting to note that the first ones to recognize Jesus as King were Gentiles, not Jews.
With all the history of Israel and Jehovah God.
With all the prophecies of the coming Messiah from the OT scriptures they held in their possession!
With all the scribes who knew the prophecies
With the beautiful temple Herod had rebuilt.
And with the baby less than 6 miles away..they still showed no interest.
And the only interest that was shown was by Herod, who felt threatened because he was a fear driven, spineless, no-real-claim to-the-throne, tyrant who had no desire to worship Jesus. All he wanted to do was get rid of this baby Jesus.
“He came unto His own and His own knew Him not” John 1
But these Magi knew. Without a doubt they knew. And they traveled over 800 miles to come and worship Him.
2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him
Notice the child is always mentioned before His mother Mary.
Joseph gets no mention at all.
they worshiped Jesus – not Mary.
Notice 3 things:
  1. Worship  Requires Humility  – They Worshiped the Right Way
They Bowed –   proskuneo – means they bowed to Him.
 This word was Always used in the presence of deity.
In front of a kid?
These were big time men.  King makers.  Important, wealthy people.
But they recognized who He was.  Not just a king – but the King of kings.  They knew their place.  And they humbled themselves and bowed.  The very highest in society and the very wealthiest of the wealthy – bowed before Jesus as king.
In contrast to that…last week we saw the Shepherds – the lowest of society and the very poorest of the poor came and worshiped Jesus.
What a beautiful picture of the inclusiveness of the gospel.  Jesus came for EVERYONE!
But these wise men – they were important people….but not too important to know their place.  Wise men indeed.
None of us are too important, too wealthy, too hotty totty to bow before a King.
White House Story –
When he came into the room we all stood and applauded him.  But we did not bow.
Let us never forget when we come in to the room to “worship” that we are gathering in the presence of the KIng.
To bow..is the proper posture of respect when you come into the presence of a King.
Perhaps we should take that posture, as well?
There is a certain amount of reverence and awe that our King deserves.
Don’t ever forget when you come in to this place on Sunday morning that you are coming into the presence of the King.  You are here to bow before the King.
Worship requires humility. He is God. We are not.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly,To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
  1. Worship Requires the right God
     
They Worshiped the right God
Our response to Christmas should be worship !
No matter who you are.  No matter where you are.  We are to worship Jesus!
He is worthy!
And everywhere in this story we see joy!
The shepherds, the angels, Mary!  The encounters in the temple
And the wise men!  They rejoiced!
And they did so, having never received anything from Jesus.
He hadn’t given them anything – and yet they worshiped anyway.
Oh but maybe he had given them something?   HOPE!!!
But our worship is also costly.
Worship requires sacrifice!
  1. Worship requires sacrifice
     
11 ….And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
They Gave
 
They traveled over 800 miles for months on end.  At great risk.  At great peril.   Over rough terrain.  Not know what they would find.  Not knowing the scene – just following a star in hopes of finding the King and worshipping Him.
And yet there are times We won’t travel across town to worship Him.  Won’t even take the time in our own homes to bow before Him.
These wise men sacrificed a great deal just to come and be in His presence.  And there are many around the world today who do the same.  Christians in Nigeria.  Christians in underground churches in China.
What does our worship cost us?  Anything?
It costs us nothing to sing a song of praise to Him.  And yet, many of us won’t even do that.  It’s not about our singing.  It’s not about the song.  If you think worship is just that, then you’ve missed it entirely.  It’s about the Savior and it requires a sacrifice.  From all of us.
That’s why the offering is sometimes a much more powerful expression of our praise than singing songs together.
Why?
because the give requires a sacrifice on our part.
Martin Luther said there are three conversions necessary in a person’s life:
The conversion of the heart
The conversion of the mind
The conversion of the wallet.
The third can be the most difficult.
The way we spend our money is a reflection of what is in our heart. 
 
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This Christmas – let us give something that requires a sacrifice on our part.  Jesus is worth it!
So what did these wise men give?
The Gifts 
 
Gold 
proclaiming Him King
Kingdom of Heaven – appears 70 times
Kingdom of God – appears 30 times
100 times in scripture the idea of Jesus as king is mentioned in scripture
Do we see Him as King?  Do we treat Him as king?
Is he on the throne of your life?
Frankincense 
Very particular resin from a particular Boswellian tree in the Arabian peninsula.  Native to somalia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen,  highly sought after.   Very expensive.
Incision is made in the trunk in the winter months of the year,  and a yellow sap would ooze out.  They would allow it to dry,  then they would crush it…grind it into a powder.
It is always mentioned in scripture in conjunction with the priesthood of Israel.   Always used in an act of Worship.
Used by the priest in the meal offering as an offering of thanksgiving.  Leviticus 2.  A sweet aroma to the Lord.
Psalm 141
With this gift, the magi were proclaimin – as the great High Priest. This is a clear nod to the deity of Christ.
Gold – proclaimed Him as King
Frankincense – proclaimed Him as High priest – Holy and Divine
Myrrh 
 
Myrrh is collected from a small 5 to 15-foot tall tree  called the dindin tree.  it is also from the incense tree family.
It is harvested in much the same way as Frankincense.
Myrrh has been used almost since the dawn of time as a main ingredient in anointing oil. We see it first mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis.
It was also used as a perfume.
But perhaps its most common use in ancient days was in the act of Burial. As a sort of embalming method.
What a strange gift for a child!  Embalming fragrance.
But the difference between Frankincense and Myrrh is that myrrh is commonly known to give off it’s most powerful fragrance only after it has been crushed.
The Magi brought Jesus this gift as a prophetic gesture to one day when His body would be prepared for burial, signifying His divine kingship but also His ultimate sacrifice.
  • Isaiah 53:5 (NIV): “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed”.
What a beautiful picture this gift gives us of the supreme sacrifice this child was destined to make for all of us on the cross of Calvary.
What a beautiful fragrance of love, grace, and mercy.
And your know what else – The mountain where Jesus was crucified just happens to be the same mountain where Abraham took Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice. Mount Moriah. And do you know what the root translation of the word “mor”? Mount Moriah is? The land of Myrrh. The place of sacrifice.
Do you think these Wise men knew all that? doubtful. But God did.
Does God have a plan or what?
Conclusion: 
Wise people still seek Him
 
Are you seeking after God in your life?
His promise is, if you will seek Him – you will find Him!
Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
          Instead of a star to guide us,  we have His scripture and His Holy spirit
Do you recognize Him as king?  Do you seek Him as your King?
Wise people still worship Him 
 
You want to have the greatest Christmas of your life?  Rediscover the beauty of worshiping Jesus in the presence of His holiness.
Be like the wise men – seek Him and worship Him.
Closing 
 
There have been many great Kings throughout history who changed the world.   But no King is like King Jesus.
King David – known for his great victories. 
     But only King Jesus was victorious over death!
King Solomon – for his great wisdom
     But King Jesus is the author of all wisdom
Cyrus the Great – for his tolerance and patience 
     But King Jesus embodied love and patience and never sinned
Alexander the Great  – for his vision and cultural fusion
     But King Jesus split time in two and gives us a vision for our lives
Caesar Augustus – for ending chaos establishing 2 centuries peace and prosperity
       But King Jesus can end the chaos in your life and give you  peace that passes all understanding
Akbar the Great  – for his goodness and moral code of conduct.
        But King Jesus is the essence of Good and is the model for how we must live our lives
Ghengis Khan –  fortified safe trade for the silk road
But King Jesus is your fortress, your protector and your deliverer
Elizabeth 1 – ushered in the Golden Age of England religious freedom
But King Jesus can give you freedom for your soul!
Suleiman the Magnificent – legal reforms and organization of the Ottoman empire
But only King Jesus can reform your life!
Charlemagne – for his unifying Europe
           But King Jesus can unify your family and your relationships
Louis the XIV – Known for his hold on absolute power and authority
            But King Jesus holds the world in His hands.
All of these monarchs had the wealth and the power of their nation and their empires at their fingertips.  All of their subjects would have to bow in their presence.
But there is one King who is much greater than these.
And all of them….ALL of them will bow to this King.
All of those kings are merely pawns in the hands of this King to move and maneuver according to His will and His way.
This King stands above them all as the preeminent, all powerful, and sovereign ruler.
This King has been in charge since the dawn of time and will never be defeated in battle, never relinquish His throne, and He will never die – because He has conquered death itself.
This King is the only one who bears the title
Son of God and Son of Man.
And one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess the matchless name of this King.
For His name is above every other name!
This King’s name is Jesus!
And this same Jesus who came in the form of a baby… born of a teenage virgin girl …will return in shining glory as the conquering King riding a Persian white steed and wearing a spotless white robe that bears the title that ONLY HE CAN Claim:
Revelation 19:11  (NLT)
Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
This Jesus is:
King of Kings and Lord of Lords !!!!
And this King – And ONLY this King shall reign forevermore!!!
So let’s do the wise thing – seek Him, bow before Him and worship Him will all our hearts!!!
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